Hearing Protection Across the Lifespan

Noise induced hearing loss is cumulative, permanent, and largely preventable. Occupational standards and WHO guidance relate permissible exposure to both sound level and duration, and WHO promotes safe listening through its Make Listening Safe initiative and standards for personal audio devices and venues.

Hearing protectors range from foam and filtered earplugs to earmuffs and electronic protection used for shooting. This article describes how noise damages the cochlea and the main approaches used to limit exposure at work and in leisure.

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